Transitions in Writing

One of the most important aspects of writing is using transitions to take the reader from one sentence to next and from one paragraph to the next. Transitions, both words and phrases, provide a coherent framework for the paper. These transitions will help your writing to be easy to understand to a reader.

The purpose of transitional words and phrases is to show relationship. Many possible relationships exist between sentences, paragraphs and ideas. It is important to use the correct relationship with the correct concept. Some relationships include addition which uses the transitional words of also, besides, moreover et al. Consequence, which shows what happens, may use thus, in conclusion, to sum up et al. Restating your ideas may use words such as namely, in brief, in other words et al.

If you want to compare and contrast try using nevertheless, rather, similarly, on one hand et al. To show sequence, the words at the beginning, for the time being, next, then, et al may be used. Diversion needs a transition such as incidentally et al.

Other frequently used transitional words and phrases are directional, such as under, to the left or right, above, et al.

Whatever type of relationship is needed, there are transitional words and phrases to support it. Be sure to use these words correctly and often enough to make your paper smooth and logical. The reader needs to be able to read through your paper from the beginning to the end with understanding.